At least six people were killed in a West Bank armed incident, according to regional reports, as military forces prepared for a sweeping operation in the occupied Palestinian territory and imposed a curfew. The escalation follows diverging accounts from Palestinian authorities and the Israeli military regarding a morning attack near Nablus.
Military Preparations and Curfew Imposed in the West Bank
The Israeli military announced on Friday that it is preparing for a large-scale military operation in the occupied Palestinian territory and has implemented a curfew. Security conditions across the West Bank have deteriorated sharply since Oct. 7, 2023, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel, sparking a two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip.
According to data from Palestinian authorities, approximately 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war. These deaths occurred during Israeli military operations, armed clashes, and other attacks.
Contlicting Accounts of the Nablus Incident
Accounts of the latest armed incident differ sharply between the Israeli military and Palestinian authorities. Palestinian officials state that at least five Palestinians were killed and three others sustained serious injuries when armed Jewish settlers attacked a village north of Nablus in the early hours. Soldiers subsequently entered the area, opened fire, and killed several Palestinians, while stray gunfire also wounded Jewish settlers.
Conversely, Israeli media reported that one Israeli citizen was killed in the violence. An Israeli military spokesperson stated on the social media platform X that an attack targeted Israeli vacationers near an Israeli outpost. According to that account, attackers stole a weapon from a security forces employee and opened fire on the group. Emergency services subsequently transported multiple wounded individuals to local hospitals.
Did You Know?
According to Palestinian authorities, approximately 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank through military operations, clashes, and other incidents since October 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the latest military curfew in the West Bank?
The Israeli military imposed a curfew and prepared for a large-scale operation following a deadly armed incident near Nablus that left multiple people dead.
How do the official accounts of the Nablus incident differ?
Palestinian authorities report that armed Jewish settlers attacked a village before soldiers arrived and opened fire. Meanwhile, the Israeli military states that vacationers near an outpost were targeted by attackers who stole a security weapon.
How many casualties have been reported in the West Bank since October 2023?
Palestinian authorities report that approximately 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank during military operations, clashes, and other attacks since the conflict began.
Worth a look